China expresses concern over the resumption of military conflict in the region and calls for maintaining the ceasefire

Beijing, July 14 (KUNA) -- China expressed deep concern today over the resumption of military conflict in the region, calling on the parties concerned to “exercise rationality and restraint and maintain the ceasefire.” Xinhua News Agency quoted Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian as saying at a press conference that “China hopes that the parties to the conflict will respond to the urgent call to safeguard peace and stability at both the regional and international levels, and avoid resuming hostilities, let alone expanding the scope of fighting and harming innocents.” He noted that respecting the legitimate rights and interests of the states bordering the Strait of Hormuz and resuming safe and normal navigation through the strait as soon as possible are shared aspirations of the international community. Lin stressed that the relevant parties should work toward meeting halfway and addressing the issue appropriately. In this regard, he affirmed China’s readiness to continue adhering to the four-point initiative proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping and to make strenuous efforts to de-escalate tensions and stabilize the situation in the region. The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced yesterday, Monday, that it would resume the blockade on Iranian ports this evening, in accordance with directives from U.S. President Donald Trump. The U.S. president also officially announced the end of the ceasefire reached in a U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding last month, which was supposed to last for 60 days while the two countries worked toward a broader agreement. (End) S.L.Q. / N.A.A.